I’ve been to Amsterdam a couple times. And speaking as a woman who loves the Netherlands, I really didn’t get the warm fuzzies from its capital city. There wasn’t really a reason why I didn’t like it–nothing bad happened while I was there, everything was perfectly pleasant, the weather every time I went was fine–but I guess there also really wasn’t a reason why I did like it. I just didn’t see the wow factor. Yes, it is beautiful. Yes, it has charm. There’s a ton of history there. It’s got great museums, restaurants, architecture, public transportation, etc. But I guess other cities in the Netherlands won my heart.
I did all the things one’s supposed to do in Amsterdam–I went to the museums, I sat at an outdoor cafe along the canal, I went to a “coffee shop”, walked by and giggled uncomfortably (effects of the coffee shop?) at sex shops and the Red Light District.
I’ll certainly give Amsterdam another chance to woo me. Lonely Planet puts the city at its number two spot for cities to visit in 2013, so I certainly hope I feel the magic on my next visit. Until then, at least the city’s been photogenic!
We haven’t gotten there yet but I’m so looking forward to it — perhaps this spring.
Jay recently posted..It’s Not Always About Us
That’s a good time of year to visit, too! Think you’ll go to just Amsterdam, or see a bit more of the Netherlands while there?
Hmm… maybe that’s why the Dutch people I’ve met recently (there are a lot in Australia) all have the attitude: “Oh but that’s just Amsterdam.” It seems like Amsterdam is a much different place than the rest of the Netherlands. I’ve never been!
Jill recently posted..South West Rocks
I think sometimes people think that Amsterdam is all that the Netherlands has to offer, and they’re doing a huge disservice to themselves. The Netherlands has so much to offer in the way of other cities and landscapes. Amsterdam is a gorgeous city though, and if it’s all you have time for, I’d suggest going, but there are so many other must-see places!